I wasn’t the last to know, but I’ve been offline for two days, and came home to find a few hundred emails, many of them demanding to know whether it’s true that Saoirse* Ronan has been cast as Daisy in the film of How I Live Now.

I’m not sure it’s 100% official yet, but having just googled it, it would seem to be public knowledge. And true.

I’d heard whispers that she’d been interested in the role for some time, but I know Kevin MacDonald, the director, was dead keen on casting an unknown. So what happened? From what I understand, an amazing audition happened.

And that’s all I know so far. Except that they’re still looking for the perfect Edmond, and the production is on schedule to shoot in spring 2012.

I’m genuinely sad for all the young actresses who auditioned, but if you’re going to lose out to someone, Saoirse Ronan seems better than most. She’s such a brilliant actress and I can’t help being more than a little bit thrilled.

However….film rights for The Bride’s Farewell have also been purchased recently, so there’s still hope. Pell is another great role for a young actress (look guys, it’s not a coincidence — my female characters are not your average Oooh ooh Mr Vampire, I love you SOooooo much) — but for Pell, you might have to start working on your riding.

The Bride’s Farewell is such a great book, it will make an amazing film- I know this is really out of date, but Melissa Gilbert would have been great as Pell….unfortunately, she is nearly fifty now! In her part on Little House she was fierce, spirited and a great rider- like Pell!